下手 xiàshǒu to start
to start; to put one's hand to; to set about; the seat to the right of the main guest
How to remember 下手: 下 down + 手 hand = to start.
Characters
How it is used
- 'To start, set to work; to make a move on' - 无从下手 (wúcóng xiàshǒu) not know where to begin.
- Context sets the tone: neutral 'begin', or hostile 'strike at' - 对他下手 (duì tā xiàshǒu) take action against him, often sinister.
Example sentences
- 先下手为强，后下手遭殃。 Xiānxiàshǒuwéiqiáng, hòu xiàshǒu zāoyāng.Get them before they get us.